title: Writing for publication in medical education: the benefits of a faculty development workshop and peer writing group.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although educational innovations in medical education are increasing in number, many educators do not submit their ideas for publication.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The goal of this initiative was to assist faculty members write about their educational innovations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-four faculty members participated in this intervention, which consisted of a half-day workshop, three peer writing groups, and independent study. We assessed the impact of this intervention through post-workshop evaluations, a one-year follow-up questionnaire, tracking of manuscript submissions, and an analysis of curriculum vitae.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The workshop evaluations and one-year follow-up demonstrated that participants valued the workshop small groups, self-instructional workbook, and peer support and feedback provided by the peer writing groups. One year later, nine participants submitted a total of 14 manuscripts, 11 of which were accepted for publication. In addition, 10 participants presented a total of 38 abstracts at educational meetings. Five years later, we reviewed the curriculum vitae of all participants who had published or presented their educational innovation. Although the total number of publications remained the same, the number of educationally-related publications and presentations at scientific meetings increased considerably.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A faculty development workshop and peer writing group can facilitate writing productivity and presentations of scholarly work in medical education.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Medical Education and Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. yvonne.steinert@mcgill.ca
authors.forename: Yvonne
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Steinert
authors.forename: Peter J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: McLeod
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Liben
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Snell
mesh_terms: D001955:British Columbia; D004493:Education; D004501:Education, Medical; D005180:Faculty, Medical; D006801:Humans; D010379:Peer Group; D011643:Publishing; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014956:Writing / Q000592:standards*